Don't mask your bad breath - have it treated!

Although bad breath is a widespread problem, people usually prefer not to talk about it. Still, there is a good chance of getting rid of bad breath once the problem is determined. It takes courage to talk about this problem, which is often treated as a source of shame. It should be clear that this way of dealing with the problem can have negative results, affecting a person's self-esteem, personal relationships and social life.

 

What causes halitosis?

The phenomenon of bad breath has been misinterpreted for a long time. It has been widely assumed that "bad breath" comes from the stomach or food flavoured with onions or garlic. Likewise, alcohol and tobacco have been viewed as important factors as they reduce salivation and desiccate the oral cavity.

 

This theory surely contains a grain of truth, but today we know that in more than 90% of cases, bad breath originates directly in the oral area. Volatile sulphur compounds (VSC) accumulate in uncleaned interdental spaces, remain as a by-product of food decomposition, and become noticeable in the form of septic odour. The VSC quantity depends on the quality of the active oral hygiene applied. Greater amounts of such compounds indicate a gingival infection or detrimental bacteria on the tongue. Researchers have found that the number of VSC in the oral area of a test participant suffering from gingivitis is eight times higher than the normal value. Even in a generally hygienic mouth, the odorous sulphur compounds constantly arise due to the natural decomposition of bacteria and human cells. That is why appropriate countermeasures should be taken by cleaning the teeth and the spaces between them.

 

Take care of your tongue! 

Bad breath is not always caused by inflamed gums. The upper side of the tongue with its folds, fissures and glands is just another breeding ground for bacteria. The good news: the tongue can be cleaned quickly and easily - with a tongue cleaner that you can get at our new KU64 cosmetics & White Lounge.

 

How do I recognise bad breath?

The easiest way is to ask a person you trust. You might suffer from bad breath if your conversational partners tend to back away a bit while you are talking to them. You can test yourself by using a few basic accessories. Touch your tongue with a handkerchief or a tissue and wait a moment (you can also pull an unwaxed piece of dental floss through the spaces between your teeth). If the tissue (or the dental floss) smells bad, your breath probably does too.

 

In most cases, the simple rule applies: where there's bad breath, there's also a remedy. Do not hesitate to ask our prophylaxis specialists - we're pleased to help you!

 

 

Edited August 2011